Impacts of resource extraction
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Flip to reveal answersState two ways mining can cause habitat destruction.
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Question
State two ways mining can cause habitat destruction.
Answer
Open-pit/strip mining removes vegetation and topsoil, and creates large disturbed areas that fragment or eliminate habitats.
💡 Hint
Mining removes ecosystems
Question
List three environmental impacts of resource extraction.
Answer
Habitat destruction, pollution (water/air/soil), and landscape degradation (subsidence/erosion) are major impacts.
💡 Hint
Env impacts list
Question
State two economic benefits of resource extraction.
Answer
Benefits include employment, export revenue/tax income, and infrastructure development funded by resource profits.
💡 Hint
Jobs + revenue
Question
Give two social costs of resource extraction.
Answer
Social costs include displacement/relocation, health impacts from pollution and accidents, and cultural disruption (often for indigenous groups).
💡 Hint
Think people impacted
Question
What is acid mine drainage?
Answer
Acid mine drainage is acidic water formed when exposed sulfide minerals react with oxygen and water, dissolving metals and polluting waterways.
💡 Hint
Acid + dissolved metals
Question
List one benefit and one cost of resource extraction for societies.
Answer
Benefit: jobs and revenue. Cost: displacement and health impacts from pollution or accidents.
💡 Hint
1 + 1
Question
What is meant by “boom-bust cycle” in resource-dependent regions?
Answer
A boom-bust cycle is rapid growth during high commodity prices followed by economic decline when prices fall, leaving communities vulnerable.
💡 Hint
Price-driven instability
Question
Give three types of pollution linked to resource extraction.
Answer
Water pollution (oil spills/heavy metals), air pollution (dust/SO2), and soil contamination (tailings/chemicals) are common extraction-related pollutants.
💡 Hint
Water + air + soil
Question
State what the resource curse suggests.
Answer
It suggests resource-rich countries may experience corruption, conflict, and weak institutions, which can reduce development outcomes.
💡 Hint
Wealth ≠ wellbeing
Question
Explain one cause → effect chain for extraction impacts.
Answer
Open-pit mining removes vegetation (cause) which increases soil erosion and sediment runoff into rivers (effects), reducing water quality and aquatic habitats.
💡 Hint
Cause then effects
Question
What is a high-scoring exam technique for impacts questions?
Answer
Use cause → effect chains and (when possible) add a named case study (e.g., Niger Delta oil impacts) to support points.
💡 Hint
Cause → effect
Question
Define environmental justice in the context of extraction.
Answer
Environmental justice means extraction harms and risks should not fall disproportionately on low-income or indigenous communities; decision-making should be fair and inclusive.
💡 Hint
Who bears the costs?
Question
What is a strong evaluation approach for extraction essays?
Answer
Present both benefits and costs, discuss who gains vs who loses, and reach a justified conclusion using a named example where possible.
💡 Hint
Balanced + equity + example
Question
State one way extraction can increase greenhouse gas emissions.
Answer
Extraction, processing, and transport use energy and can release methane (e.g., coal mining, gas leaks), increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
💡 Hint
Methane leaks matter
Question
Why do examiners like named examples for extraction?
Answer
Named examples show real-world understanding and make evaluation more specific (impacts, stakeholders, and outcomes are clearer).
💡 Hint
Specific beats generic
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Topic 7.1 hub
Natural resources—uses and management
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